Distylium x Swing Low® (Distylium)

Swing Low® is a hybrid cultivar of Distylium, occasionally called isu tree or winter-hazel, an evergreen relative of the witch-hazel family, originally native to high elevation areas of East Asia. As with many winter-hazels, Distylium x Swing Low® is a low-growing shrub that typically grows to only 2-3' tall and a sprawling width of 4-6'. Relatively compact, but capable of filling a large area, Swing Low® is an excellent choice of Distylium for its adaptability and attractive blue green foliage.

In the winter, Distylium x Swing Low® produces small, fuzzy red flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, making them an important off-season food plant for a number of species. As an introduced plant, Swing Low® has no real issues with pests or disease and, though it is an introduced species, Distylium poses no risk of becoming invasive over time. Well-regarded for its shape, glossy foliage, and general hardiness, Swing Low® is becoming a popular replacement for a number of boxwood cultivars in low borders and evergreen accent plantings. With its wide-spreading behavior, Distylium x Swing Low® is a great addition to a variety of gardens as a large bed-filler or foundation planting, as it is resistant to both drought and deer damage, and is not picky about soil consistency or light level.